Match Review
Reading 1-1 Manchester United, Madejski Stadium, 17.15 Saturday 23rd September
Goals: Reading - Doyle (47, pen). Manchester United - Ronaldo (73).
Attendance: 24,098

United left the Madejski Stadium wondering what Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy was up to as they failed to convert 70% possession into goals. The plucky Royals, managed by ex-United winger Steve Coppell, deserved their point with some solid defending and dangerous counter-attacks. But United will know that they cannot hope to press for the title if they cannot win at places like Reading.

Coppell's men appeared overawed in the first half, conceding possession to United all over the pitch. The Reds, who rested Louis Saha with tomorrow's Champion's League match against Benfica front of mind, opted to play five across the middle of the park ensuring ball retention. But there was no cutting edge with an out-of-sorts Wayne Rooney the lone front man.

It was Ronaldo who was proving to be the Reds' most likely source of goals, striking several efforts wide or over the bar when in good positions. The Portuguese winger then nearly set up Scholes for the opening goal by flashing a cross within inches of the midfielder's toe just four yards out. Richardson, Carrick and Scholes also saw efforts struck wide. For all United's possession chances were proving harder to come by.

But it was Reading who should have struck the first blow with Kevin Doyle foiled by van der Sar after the ball fell to him just five yards out. He should have scored but panicked when the opportunity came his way. The home side didn't have to wait long though - being awarded a penalty just after the re-start. The ball seemed to surprise Gary Neville as it came in from Seol Ki-Hyeon's right wing cross and struck his arm on the bounce. If the penalty was fortunate then EVDS will kick himself after getting a full hand on the spot kick without keeping it out.

United were in no mood to get turned over though and came storming back, principally through man-of-the-match Ronaldo who by this time had switched from the right to left flank.

The meagre resources at Sir Alex Ferguson's disposal were highlighted by the abjectly poor performance by left-winger Kieron Richardson who was rightfully substituted. The Londoner even managed to blame his team mates for his air shot when presented with an opportunity just 10 yards out.

Scholes, Fletcher and Carrick had command of central midfield but too few opportunities were being created until Ronaldo took on the mission himself. Running at Murty with pace and then cutting inside, the 21 year old unleashed an unstoppable low drive into the far corner of the net. It was no more than United deserved.

United pressed for the winner with Saha and Solskjaer joining the fray and the tiring Heinze departing on his first match for the Reds in a year. But it was to no avail as Sonko and Ingimarsson held firm at the back, with United drawing their first away game of the season. The Reds now travel to the difficult looking match against Benfica in the Champions League without a convincing performance in a month.

There were some positives from the match however with both Vidic and Heinze returning to action. Vidic's performance was full of authority and his return should add steel to United's back-four. Although he struggled on his return it was great to see Gabby back in a Red shirt. His fitness was tested by Reading's excellent right-winger Seol but there's a lot more to come from the Argentinean hard-man.

Rant Ratings
(4-5-1): van der Sar (6); Neville (6), Ferdinand (7), Vidic (7), Heinze (6); Ronaldo (9), Fletcher (6), Carrick (7), Scholes (7), Richardson (4); Rooney (6).

Subs Used: Saha (5) for Richardson (58 mins), O'Shea (5) for Heinze (70 mins), Solskjaer (5) for Fletcher (70 mins)

Subs not used: Kusczak, Brown

United's Man of the Match
Ronaldo was simply awesome on the night bamboozling both Reading full-backs in the process. Are we finally seeing a mature Ronaldo fulfilling his undeniable promise? This could be the season the winger finally proves he's the world-class talent we all believe him to be.

Rants Reaction
Have you ever heard the one about the Manchester United side who travelled to a newly promoted side with only one striker in the team? Unfortunately this is no joke. Rooney was hopelessly isolated up front with no support and SAF's decision to not buy another striker in the summer is looking worse by the game.

Was Rant's Prediction Right?
No, we said 2-1. United Rant 0 v 7 Wrong Predictions

Milestones
Cristiano Ronaldo's 20th goal in the Premiership for United and 29th overall for the club
SAF's 550th Premiership game in charge

Miscellaneous Info
United's next match is on Tuesday 26th September 2006 against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League at Estadio de Luz with a 19:45 kick off